{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"ATS Assemblies & Sections","title":"Basic Science and Lab Research Sustainability","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2612,"description":"March 2, 2026In this episode, we explore a topic essential to every ATS member and their patients: Basic Science and Lab Research Sustainability. Hosted by Miles D. Hagner, MD, of the ATS Early Career Professionals Working Group (Assembly on Allergy, Immunology, and Inflammation), this discussion brings together experts Dr. Emma Thornell and Emily Colpack to examine how laboratory research can reduce environmental impact without compromising scientific rigor.Emma Thornell, PhD, is a research assistant professor at the University of Iowa, where she studies the intersection of lung disease and environmental exposures. Emily Colpack, MPA, serves as Sustainability Lead and My Green Labs Coordinator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Both lead initiatives aimed at improving the sustainability of laboratory research.Topics covered include optimizing ultra‑low temperature freezers and fume hoods, coordinating shared operations such as autoclaves, and appropriate use of biohazardous waste areas. Ultimately, the panel offers several practical strategies, with an emphasis on lab education, for making scientific research more sustainable—without slowing the pace of discovery.00:00:00 – 00:00:15 Podcast Introduction & Opening Music00:00:15 – 00:00:42 Welcome & Guest Introductions00:00:42 – 00:01:13 Dr. Emma Thornell’s Background & Research00:01:13 – 00:01:58 Emily Colpack’s Role in Sustainability & Green Labs00:01:58 – 00:02:59 What Sustainability Means in Scientific Research00:02:59 – 00:04:15 Environmental Impact of Lab Work (Energy, Water, Emissions)00:04:15 – 00:05:55 How Labs Measure Their Environmental Footprint00:05:55 – 00:07:48 Biggest Energy Drains in the Lab (Freezers, Hoods, Autoclaves)00:07:48 – 00:10:55 Practical Ways to Reduce Lab Energy Use00:10:55 – 00:43:26 Improving Sustainability: Programs, Culture Change & Real-World ImpactHost:Miles D. Hagner, MDPulmonary/Critical Care Medicine FacultyUniversity of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsGuests:Emily...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/9DaPUiuZAWF4aqHRUVM8yVGNq8O1aIe3EajK-tlwSGU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83OTVl/MDQ0ZDc5MGUwMThk/NDZkZjBhNWNmZTNm/NGZmOC5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}